topic Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7 in Electronics

Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Samara — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:22:58 GMT

I purchased the TSV HP Laptop that was on for December. Have not received it yet but am wondering if I made a mistake.

Normally, I would be excited about receiving this but after hearing so many bad comments about the Windows 8 and 8.1, I must admit I am a little apprehensive. Especially since I am not all that computer savvy.

Any input from others about coping with the adjustment from Windows 7 to Windows 8 and/or 8.1 would be appreciated.

Does anybody like the Windows 8.1?

I have always received so much help from the people on this Forum in the past who are so generous with their time to help others--so am reaching out once again for your comments.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Nightowlz — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:36:11 GMT

DH has 8 on his laptop but I have not used it much. I'm still using 7 on the desktop & use it or my iPad most of the time. DH said to install Classic Shell. You can check it out here. http://www.classicshell.net/

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Still Raining — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:41:37 GMT

I moved from an old computer with Vista to a new touch-screen with 8.1 last spring and really it is not a big deal. Just look around the menu and get a feel for where things are. For the life of me I do no understand all the hysteria about this issue.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

nomless — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:49:21 GMT

I love win 8.1. It's not hard to learn, it's really not much different from 7. I found helpful to use a win 81.1 intro book because it highighted the differences. You'll do fine. Enjoy!

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

luvGodUSA — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:10:57 GMT

A few short years ago I had a Dell computer that had windows 7 and Word. Then Dell mother board crashed, not worth fixing. Ordered a non-Dell computer w/the new windows 8. Went to You Tube, (using my husband computer) and there are many sights for learning the new Windows 8. By the time my new computer arrived, I felt comfortable in using Windows 8. The only thing I missed was Word, it did have Word notepad, but not the same. I use my Window 8 desktop, placed my most go to sights in favorites. Now it similar in use as windows 7. Installed Word (which must be purchased, bummer). Had no issues in learning Windows 8. Hope this helps.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

GCR18 — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:24:19 GMT

My work computer has Windows 7 and my home computer has 8.1. Every once and a while I can't find a setting or something in my home computer. I blame that on me not taking the time to read up about it. I have no issues or regrets with 8.1.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Caffeina — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:24:12 GMT

With Windows 8.1 you have a choice of using the regular desktop you're used to, or the new Start screen. I use the desktop, and don't even bother with the Start screen or apps. I have no complaints. There's a number of things I like better than my old XP and Vista computers.

There's help here and online so you shouldn't have a problem.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

chickenbutt — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:42:12 GMT

I have computers with both OS and it's all good. With my Win8.1 computer I installed Classic Shell (classicshell.net), which lets me bypass that silly tile start page and use the familiar desktop with the start button, etc. It also makes a few others things what I was used to. I never even see the 8.1 start page.

There is no reason not to move with the technology, especially since you can make the newer one look just like the previous ones. My issue was that I hated the tile thing and I couldn't find stuff. So, for changing it with the Classic Shell software (it's a tiny download and free), I was again able to find everything easily and have the features I was used to.

My only continuing complaint was that I didn't have my solitaire game anymore, but I found out how to get it and all is good! I don't know why they took away all those classic games with Win8. Maybe they are only popular for a few of us. But it's really easy to pull them from one of your Win7 computers and put them on your Win8/8.1 computers. Takes like a minute.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

partypan — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 01:03:33 GMT

8 is so bad that MS is going straight to 10 in hopes that nobody will speak of 8 ever again.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Cha1k — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 02:56:48 GMT

Microsoft Windows 7 update is buggy. Be careful about automatic updating.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2014/12/13/new-windows-7-patch-is-effectively-malware-disables-graphics-driver-updates-and-windows-defender/?utm_campaign=ForbesTech&utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_channel=Technology&linkId=11144737

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Cha1k — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 03:00:57 GMT

double post

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

ariane — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 16:34:57 GMT

On 12/14/2014 Still Raining said:
I moved from an old computer with Vista to a new touch-screen with 8.1 last spring and really it is not a big deal. Just look around the menu and get a feel for where things are. For the life of me I do no understand all the hysteria about this issue.

Agreed! Anyone who has used smartphone or a tablet is familiar with using apps. That is how you navigate the metro interface. If you prefer the desktop interface you can still use it. I guess people fear change.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

ChynnaBlue — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 18:00:50 GMT

Microsoft has free information and training on their site. I would go spend some time there and learn more about Windows 8.1.

To get you started, here are some links:

Microsoft official Windows 8.1 features

Microsoft Windows 8.1 Tutorial

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

ChynnaBlue — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 18:03:25 GMT

In case my previous post gets deleted because it has links, just go to Google and search for Windows 8.1 features or tutorials and look for results on the official Microsoft.com site. You can also find some good YouTube tutorials.

I'm putting together training for a Microsoft product for people in my company and I am using information from the Microsoft site and YouTube tutorials to learn it myself and develop the training. There's a lot of really good information and some bad information, so just look and experiment.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Nuttmeg — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 01:37:59 GMT

On 12/14/2014 Cha1k said:
Microsoft Windows 7 update is buggy. Be careful about automatic updating.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2014/12/13/new-windows-7-patch-is-effectively-malware-disables-graphics-driver-updates-and-windows-defender/?utm_campaign=ForbesTech&utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_channel=Technology&linkId=11144737

Window 7 has been around since 2009. it is an old OS, and of course it is buggy. It is time to move on to Window 8.1.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

author — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:11:47 GMT

I updated from Vista to Windows 8 last January and finally did the 8.1, much better IMO. I have no issues, it's easy and fast, no problems at all. You just have to learn where things are as opposed to the old menus and places. I listened to all the warnings about going to 8.1 and should have done it much sooner.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Black Cat Back — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:29:32 GMT

Bought a new Dell in April as I had the old Windows XP for many years. I got mine with Windows 7 for the very reason you are concerned. I was skeptical of W8 since I heard horror stories. People I know who got 8 wish they had 7. I got mine with Windows 7 and couldn't be happier. It's neat, it's clean it is user friendly and has many nice new features that XP didn't have.

Don't know what to tell you if you already purchased it.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

viva923 — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:34:09 GMT

I have 2--- windows 7 and 1--- window 8.1.

I will take a windows 7 way over that 8.1. not happy with the 8.1. it didn't even have a pop out tray to put discs in for play games or watch movies. had to purchase an extra attachement so I could play my games.

windows 7 is the xp line. love my 7's. heard that windows 10 that should be released soon is going to be the new ""xp"" of the windows line. my son in law is in computer line for work and he say the 10 looks to be the best .

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

Nuttmeg — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 06:25:21 GMT

On 12/15/2014 viva923 said:
I have 2--- windows 7 and 1--- window 8.1.

I will take a windows 7 way over that 8.1. not happy with the 8.1. it didn't even have a pop out tray to put discs in for play games or watch movies. had to purchase an extra attachement so I could play my games.

windows 7 is the xp line. love my 7's. heard that windows 10 that should be released soon is going to be the new "xp" of the windows line. my son in law is in computer line for work and he say the 10 looks to be the best .

Microsoft is going to say Windows 10 is going to be the best. This software will have some problems in the beginning. When buying a laptop today, you have to make sure you get a CD/DVD drive, If you need one.

Re: Windows 8.1 versus Windows 7

123SuzyQ123 — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 04:42:28 GMT

It took me over 6 months to get accustomed to 8.1. I loved my Windows 7 for many years and it was so much easier than 8.